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This is one of the most satisfying love stories I have read in a long time. Pure fantasy. So what if the boy of her dreams is a vampire? Bella is a feisty, albeit clumsy teen unaware of her own appeal forthe males (human or not)in her class at Forks High. Edward, 18 for over 100 years, is gorgeous, aloof and devoted to saving Bella (from herself, himself and his enemies). The plot is so compelling, and young love so well evoked I skimmed through the nasty bits to find out if they live happily ever (as in really forever) after. And then learned there’s a sequel.
A well written first novel, not just for teens.
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Every bit as amazing as it’s prequel, if not more so. To do this book real justice I may have to go back and read it again…for reasons I can’t really go into without ruining too much, I read it a little too fast.
Picking up where we left off at the end of Twilight, Bella is now recovered from her attack, still dating Edward, and now has a job at a store in town. Life seems pretty much perfect, except for the minor detail of her still not having what she wants.
Despite her wishes, the Cullens have planned a Birthday party for her, and while she’s displeased, she tries to cut them some slack, once Edward points out that they’ve not been able to celebrate a real birthday in over a hundred years. And party-lover or not, she has to admit they’ve gone all out.
But, clutz that she is, it isn’t long before disaster strikes in the form of a paper cut, leading to Jasper having to be dragged from the house, the rest of the family (other than Carlisle) quickly following after. Once she’s been stitched up and bandaged. Edward brings her home, and his gift to her makes the night perfect despite the badness. In fact, she can’t imagine a better birthday.
But it isn’t meant to last.
Abandoned, Bella spends the next handful of months in a daze. At a complete loss, Charlie has know idea how to help her. But she refuses to leave Forks, and so all he can do is watch her struggle on.
Eventually, sparks of life return, as Bella vows to become reckless, purchases two used motorcycles, and heads down to La Push to see Jacob Black about fixing them. While there, she remembers how much she liked being around Jacob, and her visits quickly turn into a regular thing. Between them, and the sound of Edward’s voice in her mind with each reckless act, Bella begins to feel alive.
And then Jacob turns on her.
Life quickly becomes on trial after another, as Bella refuses to let Jacob go, and after a mid-night visit does some hard thinking to piece the puzzle together, much to the chagrin of his new friends. Then a cliff-diving stunt gone bad sets in motion a whole ‘nother set of events, even more incredible and harrowing.
Even more than Twilight, New Moon will leave you eagerly awaiting what comes next.
(Next installment due out October 2007)
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Bella Swan isn’t looking forward to life in Forks. Though her dad is easy to be around, she’s spent most of her life without him. On top of which, she can’t stand the weather, and she knows she won’t fit in.
So when the first week of school is full of stares and whispers, Bella’s not surprised. Some of her classmates seem friendly enough, though some also seem overly friendly. All in all, things seem to be going fairly well. Until Biology, when her lab partner takes an immediate dislike to her, more along the lines of hatred.
When Edward Cullen stops coming to school, Bella assumes it must somehow be her fault, and can’t imagine what she did that was so bad. She finds out from a classmate that the Cullens are frequently absent, being big campers, and is somewhat appeased. But unprepared for Edward’s reappearance and attitude change.
While most of the school stears clear of the Cullen family, and Bella herself finds them intimidating, she’s also enthralled, especially with the ever-changing Edward. After he saves her life, it only gets more complex. The more she learns, the more curious she becomes, and the more reticent he is to tell her.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The story is great, and the characters will pull you right in. I, myself, am currently awaiting the sequel (with not enough patience).
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At age 13, Jordan James is home alone with his father when he hears a gunshot. Right away, he knows what’s happened. And although his following actions are brave beyond belief, that’s not how they stick in his mind. His rendition of events leads him to slowly become invisible. He pushes away all his friends, discontinues dealings with anyone who wants to talk about, or knows about, his father, and by Junior year, is essentially anonymous.
That year, his mother begins dating again. Don, who lives down the street from Jordan and his mom, is the proud owner of a ‘76 Corvette Stingray. After one ride in the car, Jordan is hooked. He begins regularly stopping by to help Don work on the ‘Vette after school. And once he learns the keys are always in it, begins to sneak out at night to borrow it.
One such night, out for a joyride, he comes upon Becka Thorson on the side of the road, needing help. Becka is a “cheerleader goddess,” and Jordan can’t believe his luck. The minor details that he’s lied to her about who he is, and about owning the car, don’t seem to matter in contrast to the fact that she likes him. But the lies quickly pile up and things begin to spin out of Jordan’s control.
As has to happen, his luck eventually runs out, and he gets caught. But this doesn’t turn out to be the disaster he foresaw. And in the end, it’s this climax of events that leads Jordan to do what he never could before. Open up, let go, and begin to heal.
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